A full-service law firm addressing immigration challenges

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)

There is a special status known as Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) available for children who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents but who have experienced abandonment, abuse or neglect by one or both parents. Filing a petition for SIJS is often an effective method for securing permanent legal residency for a minor child to stay in the U.S. and have a future here.

SIJS was established in 1990, but the applicable laws, eligibility requirements and processes have undergone substantial changes in recent years. Dedicated immigration attorneys at Bikkal & Associates, P.C., based in White Plains, New York, have in-depth knowledge of current procedures for obtaining SIJS and for pursuing alternatives such as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

Turn To Proven Advocates For Immigrant Children And Families

Our lawyers are highly regarded by judges, attorneys, social workers and others who meet undocumented children and are concerned about their welfare. We receive many referrals on complex immigration matters, and we also welcome inquiries from responsible, non abusive parents and potential court-appointed guardians.

It is important to know that:

  • Eligibility for SIJS requires a state court finding that the applicant meets fundamental criteria, and that being reunified with one or both parents and returning to his or her native country are not viable options.
  • We are adept at assessing such court orders and building the strongest possible cases to satisfy the standards of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and other government entities involved.

Contact Us For Focused, Current And Reliable Legal Guidance

If you have questions about SIJS, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals or other paths to legal residency that will benefit a child, we are here to help. Our knowledge and experience cover U.S. immigration matters at all levels of complexity, and we strive for the most positive outcomes achievable through timely, detail-focused legal advocacy. To consult a compassionate, experienced lawyer who will prioritize your case, call 914-683-5300 or contact us online now.